Abby's Portfolio 2015-16

Abby’s Portfolio 2015-2016

Self- Analytical This year has been way different from last year. As a full time editor, and the news editor at that, I realized that being in a leadership role isn’t the easiest role to be in. Editors have a lot of responsibilities, and they can’t do their job without articles for their pages, which in turn taught me to make sure I do a few things.

One, I made sure I didn’t take too much on my plate, and, two, to make sure my articles were always written. Those really are my two golden rules that I have learned this semester.

Being a nice leader is not really my thing. As you told us, there are many different kinds of leaders and I found that I don’t take crap from my writers, if the article isn’t finished, it isn’t getting used. And I also need to make myself a bit more available to my writers and if they have any questions I should be able to answer them because there is nothing worse than thinking your article is great when it isn’t and it doesn’t end up in the paper. I need to learn to give more critiques or criticism on my articles or the paper will never reach its true potential (last year’s was a prime year).

Deadlines and production skills go hand in hand. This year there really was only one deadline, and it was Monday after third period. And this tight deadline has improved my production skills because it forces me to make my pages and make them quickly. Even though we end up at production day for eight hours, our pages end up looking pretty, content shaky, but nice pages. Without the help from my fellow editors I don’t know how the paper would get done. There was serious teamwork between the editors this year, and I know that we all have a say on every page because we take time to help each other’s pages. But the connection didn’t reach the staff, and I really hope to change that next semester.

The one thing I do know about selling ads is that it’s really hard, and I really don’t like it, but without them we can’t print the paper.

I knew most of the journalistic ethics because of last year, but I learned something new every week being an editor. I could pick out what was wrong with an article right away because it had been drilled in my brain by my editors last year, and that’s what I hope to do to the staff this year so they can do it to the staff next year. This is an act of dedication itself. I put my best efforts into making the paper great, but it has to go two ways.

There is a lot more to being a leader than I thought. It’s stressful because I have to make three or four pages every issue, make sure articles are written for my pages, try and make pages with two pictures and three articles. It’s rewarding, but there is so much to do in so little time. I feel like my relationship with the other editors has become really strong and we all work well together, but I don’t have a relationship with most of the staff. I don’t think being an editor has caused any riffs to happen between me and the other people in newspaper, but I realized that editors stick with editors and staff stick with staff.

I will become a more aggressive editor. This semester I realized that I am way too lenient with the staff writers, and I can’t do that next semester. The first four issues were very hectic and haphazardly put together, and we can’t continue that way.

My favourite spread that I did this semester were my December pages. While they were the hardest to get done, they turned out to be the best written and best designed pages that I have had all semester.

One reason I think it’s my best work is because it was difficult, and I only had four or five pictures to work with and most didn’t match the stories so I had to long caption most of them. And the articles weren’t very good so I was rewriting most of them or lecturing the staff writers to do their interviews and finish their stories, and I still had slim to nothing to work with. On top of that I thought I had three pages until the end of production day where I found out that I needed to design another page. It was a very low point and I honestly thought I was going to

Reflection #1

throw Constance out of the window.

I didn’t get to work on my pages for a good portion of production week because I was busy working on editing articles and waiting for pictures and final copies. Basically, I started it the day before production day. So if I were to compare the first draft to the final draft, it went from zero to a hunna.

If I went back to the first issue I did in September, I have made a huge improvement design wise. My InDesign knowledge has expanded, and I now somewhat know what looks good and what can go where and how the picture should be connected to the story and how it shouldn’t. Also, Adamson has taught me how a long caption should be written and that my headlines suck, which I will work on next semester.

I learned that I need to manage my time better because being in class on production day for eight hours isn’t ideal, and I have to actually do homework for my other classes (especially Metcalf).

This issue was really the first issue that I had the most say in how the page looks because most of the time I come in on Monday and see that they aren’t my pages anymore, they’re Adamson’s. I got full control over my pages this issue, and maybe that’s because Adamson was done with us by that point, but I can proudly say that they are mostly my designs unlike my other pages.

REFER TO DESIGNS DECEMBER ISSUE

Reflection #2

The issue that I’m least proud of is probably the September issue, which is a really basic answer, but it was a rough issue for most of the editors, and the staff as well.

September was the first issue we put out, and the first issue that the staff had written for so it was inevitably the worst issue we would make. Little did we know the entire semester would be rough, but these were by far the worst pages I made.

This wasn’t my first time making a page with InDesign, so I had some experience but those designs weren’t very good. My pages in September were very haphazardly put together because I didn’t really know any design aspects, and it ended up being an Adamson page not an Abby page.

I have significantly improved since the first issue,

and if I could go back and redo the pages with the knowledge that I have now, I definitely would. There is a lot that could have been different. I wish I would have had more pictures, because even though I have the news pages, pictures are what make people look at stories and I really lacked in pictures for most of my issues.

The biggest problem with the September issue was that basically all of our staff was new, and they didn’t know how to write for a newspaper. I ended up rewriting almost all of my stories and cutting a majority of them. And a majority of the pictures weren’t very good which is why I only have two and a half pictures seeing that one of them was a cut out of a teacher.

I had the same problem with this issue as I did

with every other issue, which was that people don’t understand the concept of deadlines, which I am partially guilty of, but I didn’t get completed articles until a day or two before production day. So I was stuck doing all my pages in two days, and staying at production day until 4 p.m. which is the worst part.

It was a long process, but this issue was really a learning expeience for the entire staff, editors included, so that the following issues we know what we can and can’t do.

REFER TO DESIGNS SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Reflection #3 I took pictures for the paper, but none of them got published. Instead I’m using a picture I took while I was in Chicago. Keep in mind that I’m not the best photographer, but the picture I chose has some design aspects that are present, while they aren’t like Nicole Neri photos, I try and take the best pictures that I can.

I like this photo because it has elements of good composition. There is framing, where the tree and the bridge frame the river, making it the focal point of the photo. But the lights on the bridge also draws the person’s eye to that as well. I would say there is rule of thirds because there are a few different focal points depending on where you look. If the bridge is the main part of the photo, it is on the far left or the first third while if someone is focusing on the tree it is the far right. The river is framed in the center which could also make the person look there first.

The lights are what attract me to the picture because they take my eye from the bridge to the water because they reflect, to the tall buildings in the background, to the tree on the far right. It is the starting point of where my eye goes. I don’t take pictures often, but when I do I really enjoy it.

I feel like being an editor this year has been an asset to the staff. We ultimately pick and choose the best articles and photos, making the hard decision of what gets cut and what makes it in because only a select few make it.

Also, I made sure my articles were written because I am an editor and I need to set an example for the staff.

Almost all of the issues I had my articles in on time because I always felt bad for the other editors when they had so little, I know how they feel and it sucks. It also shows that even editors, who have a thousand things on our plates, have to do our articles or we get zeros.

There were also times when another editor wasn’t at production day or absent when edits to pages needed to be made that I helped finish their pages.

As for a specific example, on the most recent production day I had to fill in for Sonny, which I now know is no easy task, and worked on the front page and helped Adamson with page numbers and the occasional which pages should be black and white and which should be colour.

I am one hundred percent committed to the paper, while I should put other school work on the same level as I put newspaper, I don’t.

On production days I am one of the last people to leave the room, and usually take a copy of the paper to edit.

Which I try to avoid, but it happens regardless of my attempts to weazle out of it.

Articles also tend to be the first thing I do as well. Metty, much to her dismay, gets put on the backburner because I stay in class and fight with InDesign to make sure my pages are done and Adamson approves.

I don’t think I realized how much work I would have to do this year as an editor, but it’s so accomplishing to see the pages you designed in print.

I think being an editor has been my biggest contribution to the staff because, little did I know last year, being one of the editors is both great and horrible at the same time.

Reflection #4

Reflection #5

This first semester has been one giant mess, in the best possible way. We always end up making good pages, but getting to that Tuesday where we have only Bebee edits is an adventure, usually on a very bumpy road.

As for hardships, getting respect from the staff has been really hard. Without respect and effort, the paper seriously suffers, and we as the editors had a hard time getting quality articles from the writers because we were not assertive enough. It was difficult to get pages done because we did not get pictures or articles on time. It made me realize that getting articles completely done and polished by that Monday of production week was crucial. The biggest feat I faced was getting my pages done, or getting

the articles for my pages to be the best the could be.

Even though I really suffered this semester, I learned a lot. I learned that there is no room for laziness, no time for it. Without articles, you can’t put pages together, you are literally a sitting duck praying someone pulls through, and we have a handful of good people. I also learned that I can’t be a laid back editor, I need to have some authority or leadership over the staff because, like I said before, without the respect of your staff/peers, you have nothing. And that is how I am going to fix my problems from this semester, be a hard ass.

I was too laid back this semester, this was my biggest weakness and how I handled situations. I let the staff slack off on my pages articles which meant

that I had to rewrite them, taking more time from making my pages. I signed off articles which were no way near finished, and next semester that will not happen.

I also procrastinated doing my pages with the excuse that I didn’t have anything that I could use when I did. Next semester I can’t make excuses for not doing my pages, because I don’t want to be stuck at production day until midnight working. The best solution to this is to do dummy sheets so I have a brief outline that I can follow.

Designs

September Issue

lead on

news

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, ALLI MAZELLA,

participates in the ribbon cutting in her newly elected position at the first home football game. Representing Cactus Shadows in blue and silver, Mazella sends a smile and a wave to the Nest.

Earlier this month, student body elections took place to choose a president and a vice president.

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By Erika Richwagen

§ staff writer

S SCHOOL kicks off, the competitive nature of student elections does as well. These elections determine the definite set of students who will lead their peers during the remainder of the school year and their activities.

Many students believe the notion that every school event is handled by faculty and staff. While the higher-ups do handle large portions of school activities, students take on a considerable amount of work to keep the wheels turning at Cactus Shadows. Peers elected into office help set-up and plan for Homecoming, spirit weeks, pep rallies, and a variety of sports events and fundraisers.

Cameron Bender, a Student Council adviser, emphasizes the responsibility students hold when elected into a position.

"Students immediately implement their ideas once they've been elected for office. All of our officers are unveiled at the first pep rally," said Bender.

Positions available for running include president and vice president for each class, as well as a student body president and vice president.

Orly Katz, a senior running for senior vice president, expresses that gaining recognition is all about spreading your name. "It's all about exposure. I'll have people wearing my t-shirts and giving out candy, and I'll have posters."

Katz decided to run to spread her ideas and visions for the school. "I really wanted a leadership role so that I could be present at Student Council activities and school events because I have some really good ideas for making this year better." Katz wanting the digital kiosks around campus to be more interactive for students is part of her campaign.

Lee Bardon, a junior in his second year of Student Council believes that students in positions of power allow ideas and opinions to be easily voiced. “I think student elections benefit Cactus Shadows because it allows the student’s voices to be heard about school-related things instead of faculty making all of the decisions.”

Running for a position in student council requires time, effort, and perseverance. Each position requires a dedicated attitude and mindset in order to gain recognition and votes, which leads to the decision of what students represent their class during the school year.

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news

District to offer free PSATs

BY KIERA RILEY

§ staff writer

This year administration decides to allow the entire sophomore class to take the PSAT, in October, cost free.

"Our goal is to get as many 10th graders exposed to the new test as possible so by the time they take it again as juniors, when it can also count as a National Merit Scholarship qualifying test, their scores are better," said Lori Dahne, a school counselor.

In the wake of the changes being made to the SATs, the entire sophomore class will have the opportunity to take the practice test for free. A total of 550 tests have been purchased with the majority reserved for all interested sophomores. Despite the focus being on grade 10, extras will be available for purchase for freshmen and juniors.

Study guides will be handed out the week of September 8. At this time, all students who decide to opt out of taking the PSAT must return their study guide to the bookstore so others, such as freshmen and juniors, can purchase them if desired. The exact date for the PSATs is either on October 14, or 28.

Students who are testing will be separated into different parts of the campus. All other students will have a regular school day.

“We want to encourage our students to take the PSATs because we believe there are benefits to it,” said Steven Bebee. This is why preparations for the SAT have become a priority for the school.

The test is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended that sophomores take advantage of this opportunity for test prep. One of the main goals behind offering the comple-

mentary tests to the sophomores as opposed to the juniors is all based on the timeline given for preparation.

By exposing sophomores to the material presented on the SAT tests early, they can begin to narrow down and gage their position on the concepts. Through the results, students can focus on the areas they struggle with and try to improve on the next practice test. This way students can find a solid stance on what to expect and what to study for the SATs. "It's smart because we are prepared for the real thing," said Meagan Multz, a sophomore. The aim for the emphasis on practicing beforehand is one of the main reasons behind funding the PSATs. A multitude of benefits are offered to the students along with the PSATs. Lexia Burns, a sophomore, commented that the PSATs were a good thing because the school is putting in a conscious effort to help students get better scores. Because of this extra push from PSATs, students will be more likely to get into and excel in the college of their choice.

Along with getting into a good college, there is the aspect of being able to pay to attend. With steeply rising tuition rates, more scholarship opportunities take a lead in importance.

"There’s no harm, no foul on a PSAT, especially when you take it as an underclassman because you aren't being evaluated for the National Merit Scholarship until you’re a junior," Dahne said as she strongly encourages the sophomores to utilize this opportunity.

CLUBS ON CAMPUS TO TRY Art Alliance: Marcia Lang Room 820 Wednesday 2-2:30

DECA: Louise Rochford Room 610 Wednesday before school at 6:30

Drama Club/Thespians: Andrew Cupo Room 144 Thursday after school Falcon Unified: Hannah Maroney Room 1006 TBD Fashion Club: Erin Wagner Room 314 TBD

FCA (fellowship of Christian athletes) : Mike Hudnutt Gym TBD

French Honor Society: Linda Dunbar Room 157 Thursday at 2nd lunch Literary Magazine: Lori Hart Room 609 Wednesday 2- 3:00

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES RELEASED FOR WINDOWS AND APPLE PRODUCTS

By Alex Laggren

§ Staff writer

Students and teachers who use technology on a daily basis can see how Microsoft’s and Apple’s updates can affect them.

Windows 10, Microsoft’s most recent operating system, has been released and the bugs and allegations of spyware are beginning to show. Apple’s new operating systems, iOS 9 and El Capitan, will be released late 2015.

“Anything that comes out new technology wise, I never get it right away, I always wait ‘till all the bugs are out and all the newer press releases come out saying they’ve

fixed and done critical updates and gotten rid of stuff that they didn’t do prior to the beta release,” said Matthew Scott, film teacher.

WINDOWS 10 APPEARS Windows 10 was released on July 29 for free to all who pre-ordered it.

The allegations are that the microphone connected to your computer will record and save anything you say when using specific applications. Data is also stored, and computer usage can be sent to family members without immediate knowledge. “Microsoft didn’t respond to requests for comments

about specifics of the privacy terms,” said Lauren Walker of Newsweek.

EL CAPITAN IN BETA El Capitan, Apple’s new version of OS X, was released as a public beta on July 9, the sixth update was released on August 31, and the final release date will soon be announced.

“It’s better than Windows 8,” said Alex Kropman, a junior, who has had no bad experiences with Microsoft.

Cortana, Microsoft’s version of Siri named after the A.I. in the popular video game series Halo, has been included in this newest Microsoft

operating system. Some see this addition as important, while others see it as a waste of data.

“I think Cortana is cool, but not really needed,” said Mathius Day, a junior.

Apple has released iOS 9 with a beta that is free to all who use it, and they have stated that because it is in beta, not everything is fully developed.

Many students have chosen to get early trial of this new operating system, but some choose against it.

“I don’t like Apple,” said Day and he does not plan on downloading the currently released beta or the final

4 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

version when it is released, because “updates take up storage and break things.”

Apple will be adding many new features to iOS 9, including new apps such as news, notes and carplay, an improved version of Siri, and features never before seen like the split screen ability.

El Capitan will also feature the split screen ability as well as apps that have been given a new look, like spotlight, mission control, and maps. An improved language support will also be added to the newest operating system.

Math Club: James Marando Room 908 Thursday 2:10- 3:00

Model UN: Steve Mitten Room 1116 Thursday 2-2:30

National English Honor Society: Amy Metcalf Room 313 Every other Tuesday 2nd lunch National Honor Society: Scott LaVigne Room 402 Every other Tuesday 2nd lunch National Technical Honor Society: Lynne Archer Room 305 TBD

Lorraine Burke–English Teresa Hall–science

Sheryl Evenson–science

Soroptomist: Amy Metcalf Room 313 every other Wednesday 2-2:30

Kim Wallis-Lindvig–science

Spanish Honor society: Nasr/Raught Room 153 every other Wednesday 6:50

Student Council: Allison Zilka/Cameron Bender Room 1111/1106 Tuesday 2:15 Veterans Heritage Project: Steve Mitten Room 1116 Wednesday 2- 3:00

UBY ASHLEY WONG THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

§ staff writer

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

FRIENDS FROM ACROSS THE SEA Ella Marencic, a junior, and a student visitor from China, get through school together and with a

smile. They attended a gathering hosted by the school in order for the exchange students and their hosts to form better connections with each other. 4ASHLEY KRITZSTEIN

SISTER SCHOOL EXCHANGE

Exchange students from the Cactus Shadows sister school in China visit Cave Creek to get a feel for the Arizona life, heat and all.

F

§ staff writer

exchange students visited from sister school No. 1 Senior High to experience America and get a taste of the Arizona culture.

These exchange students stayed with host families of the kids that attend Cactus Shadows, mostly with the students who are in the school’s Chinese foreign language program.

“My family just thought it would be really cool to experience the Chinese culture first hand,” said Joseph Britton who hosted two boys, Lee and Carl.

The four schools in the district that offer the Mandarin Chinese language programs have a sister school in China. Around 80 students, teachers, and administrators from China have visited the district since the beginning of this school year and 65 families from both Cactus Shadows and

Sonoran Trails hosted the visitors for their short stay of only three days.

Students in the Chinese program at school took advantage of this opportunity to practice speaking the language to other students their age who are fluent in it; such as Kalia Flanery who found it personally beneficial to host her exchange student, Nicole.

“I thought it would be cool to host somebody,” said Flanery, “and then, you know, kinda practice my Chinese.”

The exchange students shadowed their assigned student throughout school for two days, attending classes and meeting other students.

“It was really interesting to see them interact with the material taught in class,” said Britton, “because in subjects like math and science, they were far beyond our standards.”

On the weekends, they toured Cave Creek and other parts of Arizona, such as Sedona,

Bret Lineburg–social studies Bobby Magna–PLC Haley Vago–dance Michele Gorinac–foreign language Louise Rochford–CTE.

4 NICOLE NERI SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 5

Some new teachers get signing bonuses

ROM August 13 to 16, 31 Chinese

Evenson said.

UBY SARA WINDOM STAFF WRITER

Skills USA: Matthew Scott Room 202 Tuesday 2- 3:00

Spanish Club: Doni Nasr/Jocelyn Raught Room 153 every other Friday 2:30

“I’m coming back. I’ve been out for six years, but I came back for a reason, I love these kids and the Cave Creek district.”

THE NEW TEACHERS

SADD: Beth Udisky Room 150 Monday 2:30

news

By Kaley Dodd

S nine new teachers of Cactus Shadows are pouring in, the knowledge is pouring out.

“This is my first year as a professional teacher,” Bret Lineburg, a social studies teacher, said. Lineburg is fresh out of college, having graduated in December of 2014. He did his student teaching at Corona del Sol. Lineburg teaches World History and AP European History and is getting plenty of practice as a new teacher, having a total of about 160 students. “My first period is 37 people,” Lineburg said.

Class sizes are increasing this year, see class sizes article on page three, so Lineburg has office hours everyday after school to ensure his students are doing well. “I’m totally fine with having big classes. But big classes make it harder for individuals to shine sometimes,” Lineburg said.

World History was not the only spot that needed to be filled. This year, the science department lost teachers in chemistry, AP physics, and biology. Sheryl Evenson, no stranger to the Cave Creek district, is a new chemistry/ biology teacher who worked at Sonoran Trails six years ago. This marks her 22nd year teaching students.

“I remember at Sonoran Trails, if it got up to 30 [students] it was huge, but now it’s 35 or 36 in every class,” Evenson said.

While Evenson has taught in the district before, there are still some things to get used to. “I think technology is a big one for me.

When you move schools, everything is new, the grading system is new.”

In Lineburg’s case, adjusting to the school is a challenge. “Getting used to the dynamic of the school is a very big one. All schools are very different,” he said.

Though both teachers are still adjusting, their experience overall has been great. “So far, I’ve been really happy. I’ve had a lot of help from other teachers and my kids are phenomenal, we’re getting a lot done,” Lineburg said.

“I’m coming back. I’ve been out for six years, but I came back for a reason, I love these kids and the Cave Creek district,” Evenson said.

Students seem to be adjusting to the teachers as well. “I guess it takes a while to get acclimated to the school, but they’re all nice, they’ll do a great job,” Brett Cernich, a sophomore in Lineburg’s AP European History class, said.

National Art Honor Society: Deborah Whales Room 822 Thursday 2:10

District uses incentives to reduce class size Arizona’s teacher shortage has forced some teachers to have larger class sizes than ideal for the 2015-2016 school year.

A ratio of one teacher to 205 students has become a reality for Erin Wagner, an English teacher, this school year. The Arizona teacher shortage may be to blame for this disproportionate student to teacher ratio.

“The teacher shortage is a real thing not just here but nationwide,” Steve Bebee, the school principal, said.

“We are a smaller school district, we can't afford to lose teachers. We can't get them to stay,” Danica Gianni, a senior English teacher, said.

To help lessen Wagner’s workload of 205 students, Gianni took 27 of Wagner’s juniors.

In a scramble to find qualified teachers, the school district approved a $4,000 signing bonus. Even with the signing bonus, the district still had issues finding teachers for its vacant jobs. Jamie Cochran, writing in the Arizona Republic, said that low salaries and lack of support for new teachers has caused the statewide shortage.

It is now a common occurrence to have classes with 35 to 40 students. One of the hardest things to deal with in a bigger class is keeping the students’ attention. Discipline is also challenging because it is a distraction to the educational process, Gianni noted.

“Having large class size does impact the effectiveness of learning,” Gianni said, “35 to 40 kids does not affect me because I go home and prepare what I have to do to keep their attention.”

Most teachers do not work the common 40 hour work week. Teachers have to make lesson plans, grade homework, and other class work.

Bebee noted that teachers should be paid what they are worth. “The work that we do in education is the most important work we do in the nation,” said Bebee.

With so many students in one small classRoom, it can easily be distracting to some students, but not all students are affected.

“It’s harder for me to personalize the learning experience in a large class,” said Alexis Burnette, a senior. “I personally do better in smaller classes because I get more individual attention with the teacher. You also get a better quality education in a class with fewer kids.

You can ask as many questions as you want for clarity.”

“Do I wish we had smaller class sizes, sure,” said Katie Doyle, a senior. “I don’t think we can have 20 kids per teacher for all classes in this school due to the amount of kids that go here.”

Student opinion aside, there is still a concern for the quality of education in the classRoom. “It is clear that in a class of say 11 kids we could go over more material than a class of 40 kids,” Gianni noted. “I would like to say that we could go at the same pace but we couldn’t.”

A

National History Club: Steve Mitten Room 1116 Every other Thursday 2:00

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

By Elaina Rovenstine

NEW TEACHERS FLY INTO THE NEST

to sample the culture. The exchange students got a taste of the local restaurant, the Buffalo Chip, on Friday night were they ate with their host families and watched bull riding. Students from both schools noticed some similarities but also some differences between their worlds.

“One thing she said that surprised me was that she loved seeing the blue sky again,” Kayla McQueen said about Chole, the foreign exchange student she hosted, “because they have so much pollution in China, that their sky is a gray/brown color.”

There is talk about pairing up with other schools from different countries in the future.

“We want to get to know different cultures and different languages, ” said Yang Song, one of the Chinese teachers. He said that the foreign language teachers want the students to have the experience of communicating with people from a variety of other countries.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 3

October Issue

news

AMERICAN HORROR STORY TAKES CSHS

news Recent fossil discovery is ...

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT FINDING FOR MANKIND

KATELYN REINHART discusses the long awaited theme and anticipation for the 2015 homecoming week.

A

By Alex Laggren

FROM FRESHMEN TO seniors, students at Cactus Shadows are all getting ready for Homecoming 2015.

“I think it’ll be great. Last year’s Homecoming was fun, and people seem to be pretty excited for it,” said Andrey Carpenter, a sophomore. After a long wait, students have finally learned the theme for this year’s Homecoming: Falcon Horror Story.

Named after the popular horror television series, American Horror Story, this year’s Homecoming dance, which takes place on Halloween, is themed after the show, and is a blackout event. All students will wear black and dress casually.

Homecoming week goes from October 24 to the 31.

The week of Homecoming is filled with events such as a parade, movie night, basketball tournament, a musical performance, also known as Unplugged, as well as an assembly and football game.

Each day of the week before the Homecoming dance also has a theme.

Students are to wear their pajamas on Monday, and don their most childish clothes to dress like a toddler on Tuesday.

Homecoming is one of those things that people hear about a lot, but no one really knows what it’s actually like until they go for themselves. It’s pretty exciting, and

I’m sure this year’s homecoming will be just as great,” said Alexis Brown, a sophomore, reflecting on her homecoming experience last year.

With all of the buzz surrounding Homecoming, it is no surprise that some adults have their own opinion on the upcoming event. Gina Mure, a local in the city of Scottsdale, joked, “It’s great that Homecoming is on Halloween. They’ll all be busy with their dance. That means that there will be less teenagers in the neighborhood stealing all of the candy.”

The date of Homecoming has also caused some debate among students, with some complaints about the dance being on Halloween night. However, these complaints are rare, and students are overall excited for the event.

CAVE CREEK TEACHERS RECEIVE GRANTS The Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation gives out thousands of dollars to eight teachers all over the district. Two being from Cactus Shadows to Andrew Cupo, drama teacher, and Matthew Scott, film and T.V. advisor, The board distributed flowers and large checks to students and teachers.

4NICOLE NERI

HOMECOMING WEEK EVENTS Saturday, Oct. 24

Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 26

Dress up- Pjs Movie Night Horror in the Quad at 6:30 p.m.

HELPING STUDENT COUNCIL PREPARE for the Falcon Horror Homecoming, Maddie Miller, a freshman, paints the boards that will go around the campus starting October 19. The boards varried from scary pumpkins and goblins to mon4LAUREN HAGGAR sters and the Grim Reaper.

§ opinion editor

Every year as homecoming week approaches, so does the announcement of the homecoming charity.

This year, STUCO has chosen the Ronald McDonald House Charity otherwise known as the RMHC. The RMHC provides families of sick children a place to stay while the child is being treated or recovering from serious illnesses.

While the families stay at one of the various locations nationwide, they are provided dental care, medical care, financial help, education services and daily meals.

“I am thrilled that the Student Council chose the Ronald Mcdonald House as this year’s homecoming charity because it is such an amazing program helping

families in need,” said sophomore Kalia Flanery.

In total there are 349 RMHC locations nationwide and the closest location to Cave Creek is in Phoenix near the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.“Part of the reason why we chose this charity is because it is the Arizona Association of Students Councils charity for the three year cycle, so not only are we supporting the Ronald Mcdonald House Charity, but also AASC,” said Cameron Bender, STUCO adviser.

“And another reason is that we also do a couple visits to the Ronald McDonald house every year.”

Although the school year has only been in session for two months, STUCO has already made their first visit to the Ronald

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Dress up -Toddler 3v3 Basketball Tournament

in the Blue Gym at 2:30 p.m.

Student Council donates to Ronny McDonny

By Lauren Haggar

§ staff writer

RCHAEOLOGISTS have made a surprising new discovery in Johannesburg, South Africa. A new human ancestor was discovered in what is believed to be a burial chamber.

On Wednesday they will be twinning, Thursday is animal print, and they can wear their Halloween costume on Friday.

“As a freshman it was really exciting to go, it felt like I was really in high school. I feel like

McDonald House. Before the group of students went, the entire student council prepared baked goods such as brownies and cookies.

“Helping the Ronald McDonald House has really touched me and made me feel like some kids and families really do get the short end of the stick even though they don’t deserve it,” said Flanery. “Ronald McDonald House helps those families by giving them food and a wonderful place to stay during their struggles.”

Students who helped families staying at the Ronald Mcdonald House were affected by the visit.

"Helping at the Ronald Mcdonald House was so amazing and really fun. It was a great experience and I was glad to share it with those who

went, because I was doing something small but it meant so much to the people living there,” said Tess Phillips, a STUCO member.

During homecoming week, students can make contributions to the RMHC by donating money into containers designated for the charity at the different events occurring each day.

“Last year the Student Council’s charity was a Soldier’s Best Friend, and we were able to raise enough money to have one service dog trained for a soldier that had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or brain injuries from being a veteran or being in the war,” said Bender.

This year, the Student Council is hoping for the same if not better results.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Dress up- Twins Unplugged at Dairy Queen at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Dress up- Animal Print Feast and Fireworks at 6:30 p.m. in the Quad

Friday, Oct. 30

Dress up- Halloween Costume Football Game at 7 p.m

Saturday, Oct. 31

Dress Code- Black Out Homecoming Dance 7 to 10 p.m.

UASHLEY WONG OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 3

Veterans get a chance to share their stories

By Lauren Haggar

§ opinion editor

America today has thousands of veterans, many who go without recognition or a chance to share their story with the world. But a club that was started 12 years ago on campus is changing that problem.

Veterans Heritage Project, otherwise known as VHP, is a club that is changing the lives of those who fought to maintain our freedom. VHP is a club devoted to sharing veterans stories with the world.

“I think there is a lot of value in students having conversations with people they ordinarily wouldn’t run into about their lives experience, and I think it opens their eyes about things that have gone on in the past, and when you hear it from someone who has experienced those things it becomes a much more richer experience,” said Steve Mitten, VHP advisor.

The club members interview veterans, write a story based on their interview, and submit their articles to a book called Since You Asked, which is then published in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. VHP was founded in 2004, by now former history teacher Barbara Hatch.

Hatch founded this project in efforts to provide the students with a better background on our country’s veterans and the wars they fought. As of today, approximately 1,100 veterans have been interviewed as well as many student participants.

“Mr. Bombaci and I believe very strongly in the club being student-run and student-owned, and when people think of the club they don’t think of just the advisors, they think of all the club members; the people that are in the club, that are visible at all the

events,” said Mitten.

Currently VHP is averaging two interviews a week. The list of which veterans are being interviewed is quite long and is done by a priority basis. Those who are in failing health or who are just simply very old, are first priority and then other willing and able veterans follow suit.

Club members on week to week basis participate in interviewing the veterans, and also attend work days on certain Saturdays every month.

The club meets every Wednesday after school, in Room 311. Though many students cannot attend meetings on a weekly basis there are other ways they can help.

“As we start doing more and more interviews we are going to need more and more eyes on the essays to make sure to catch any grammatical errors, so the more eyes on a paper the better. So I definitely think that kids who can’t necessarily make the meetings but really want to help should consider this," said Jacob Bombaci, another VHP advisor. The twelfth edition of Since You Asked will be published this year.

Although the lives of veterans are changed after they share their stories, the same goes for the interviewers whose lives have been impacted as well.

“Hearing their stories opens up your eyes a lot and you learn to be humble," said Katelyn Finegan, vice president of VHP. "I think that’s been a big part of it and you hear about what all these guys deal with cancer, or war injuries, and what they went through during the war and compared to your problems, you problems are very small after that.”

THE PROCESS OF INTERVIEWING A VETERAN STEP ONE: VHP members pick a veteran they would like to interview. Once the student arrives at school they greet the veteran and then go to the VHP room where the interviews happen.

STEP TWO: Once the interview is complete the students write the stories, and send a copy of it to either the veteran or Hatch. Either way the veteran sees a copy of it.

STEP THREE: Veterans then edits the article, sends it back, then the members have a few work days to make the edits and changes.

STEP FOUR: The articles are then placed in InDesign.

Member edits and proof- read before finally being sent to the publisher.

STEP FIVE: Lastly, the books are printed, and VHP receives them at an annual reception in april where the veterans gather together and sign the book after the event.

U

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE RACHEL'S CHALLENGE PRESENTATION

brings the audience to tears.

Moved by Rachel's story, Rachel Piontek, a senior, is among the many affected. Students then took to Twitter to spread the message Rachel's Challenge advocates. 4JULIA

DIEDE

Censorship continues to trouble educators

By Elaina Rovenstine

RACHEL'S CHAIN REACTION OF KINDNESS

T

assembly on September 17 sent a ripple across campus, preaching to students of the basic power of kindness.

“It’s important to sometimes remind ourselves of such a simple message,” said Beth Udisky, the school social worker.

This message of kindness has had an impact on students and staff alike since the Rachel’s Challenge assembly a few weeks ago. The organization exists to inspire students RACHEL’S CHALLENGE throughout the country to be kind STATISTICS by sharing the About 2.5 million people story of Rachel were involved in Rachel’s Challenge presentations in Joy Scott, a victim live settings in the Columbine More than 100 suicides shootings. This and other violent acts tragedy brought were averted in schools on grief and loss nationwide but instead of let3 known school shootings ting Rachel die were averted in vain, her fam17 million people have ily has shared her heard Rachel’s Story in live settings worldwide legacy with others.

Rachel’s Over 5 million more are exposed annually to the Challenge was story through internet news started shortly after the tragedy at Columbine

4 ■ OCTOBER 16, 2015

and continues to make an impact since then. Going to different schools around the country, the program pursues one main goal: to spread Rachel's message. This mass spread of compassion is advocated through small acts of kindness.

“I saw it four times… [and] I cried every time,” said Udisky.

REACTIONS VARY The assembly had different effects on different students. One part of the assembly that stood out to sophomore Reilly Krawzyck was when the presenter asked the entirety of the student body to close their eyes and imagine someone they had lost. They then asked students to remember all of the people they love in their life.

“I feel like it was the most important part because I felt a connection with everyone around me and I realized that we all go through the same thing, it’s kind of a universal truth,” said Krawzyck.

“What’s exciting about Rachel’s Challenge is it’s not over, we are going to continue spread the message throughout the school year,” said Udisky.

The upholding of the challenge will be presented in many different ways including advisory lessons, activities, and projects that incorporate the entire school. The assembly has already built a large amount

A BRIEF LOOK AT THE EVOLUTIONARY CHAIN OF MAN Ardipithecus ramidus - the oldest known ancestor to man Australopithecus afarensis - known for the “Lucy” skeleton

Homo habilis - believed to have lived 1.5 million years ago Homo naledi - recently discovered and of currently unknown age

Homo erectus - believed to have lived 1.9 million years ago Homo neanderthalensis - closest human ancestor Homo sapiens - modern day humans

UALEX LAGGREN

OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 5

news

THE RACHEL’S CHALLENGE

LAUREN HAGGAR

Homo Naledi has been, since its discovery, thought of as a missing link humans have been searching for. The fossils were found in what is believed to be a burial site, something that is not expected from such an ancient species.

“It’s pretty amazing how they’re able to find all this history through remains that most would see as unimportant but they’re able to make and retell the history,” said Devin Greene, a junior.

“It was one of those moments where every news outlet seemed to be pretty excited about it, and I was under the impression that it was a really recent discovery, and then when I looked back at it and put it in perspective, I saw that even though it's recent, it wasn’t just discovered,” said Robert Reisener, a science teacher. “They’d been excavating these things, these skeletons, for a while.”

While Homo Naledi was originally discovered almost three years ago, newer findings about this species has been released to the public, as well as the condition of the area the species was found in. Naledi means star in the Sotho language, and it is named this because the cave they were found in was called the Chamber of Stars. There have been more than 1,500 fossils found from

these caves, which is the biggest discovery to date.

“It may lead to more findings and discoveries about the new ancestor, which gives a whole other look on what really lived in the past,” said Kelly McElroy, a junior.

The most recently found species was discovered in extremely small caves, requiring the head of the archeological excavation, Lee Berger, to find smaller bodied cavers and archaeologists to fit in the confined spaces. After placing ads on social media sites, a team of six women were put together to explore the caves and are the only people known to have entered them to exhume the fossils.

“We found everything from infants to babies to toddlers to teens, young adults, old individuals. It is like nothing that we could have ever imagined,” said Berger to CNN’s David McKenzie. “Homo Naledi is already practically the best-known fossil member of our lineage.”

The skull of Homo Naledi is less than half the size of the human skull, yet the feet and hand bones are similar in many ways. The familiar structure of the feet lead scientists to believe that they were able to cover long distances on their hind legs.

“I definitely think it changes the way we view our kind because scientists found that the new species had a similarity to us that no other animal has had before,” said McElroy. “The main thing is when these creatures lived and where they fit into the picture of our evolution.”

of momentum and it is a priority to keep the chain reaction going.

“Anyone who has any suggestions should please come to me because this is something I don’t want to be just the school year, I want this to be the start of something,” said Udisky.

Although the majority of the student body took something from the presentation in one way or another, some students did not buy into it.

“At certain parts I felt like they were trying too hard to make her story powerful,” said Drew Ballard, a sophomore.

Ballard described the part about the teardrop drawing and the businessman as far-fetched as it made him a little skeptical.

“That kind of ruined it for me but I still took the message behind it,” said Ballard.

The presentation had different reactions from different people.

“I think it’s hard for people, especially teenagers, to separate what’s going on for them and… that outside possibility (of hope),” said Udisky.

Udisky believes that it can sometimes be difficult to get through to people.

Teenagers experience many different hardships of adolescence. Udisky believes that these internal problems can often fog the light of possibility.

§ staff writer

The battle between what is deemed school appropriate and First Amendment rights for teenagers is a common problem for school administrators, parents, and teens.

This last school year at a Connecticut high school, a teacher read a controversial poem about a graphic homosexual encounter to an AP English class. When parents heard, outrage erupted. The teacher resigned over the controversy. His goal was to encourage students to explore difficult themes. Others did not see it his way, though.

“There are things that should be taught, and there are things that shouldn’t,” said Lauren Manuszak, a senior. “Things are put in the school curriculum to help students learn about culture and other people.”

In the Tucson Unified School District, the Mexican American program was removed from the school curriculum by the TUSD board in 2012. As a result, TUSD removed hundreds of pieces of literature that had been part of the curriculum including a book that told the history of the Mexican Civil Rights Movement.

Students and teachers of the MexicanAmerican program sued the state, challenging the state on the grounds that the removal of the class is violating their First Amendment rights. As a result the TUSD is attempting to resurrect the program but it is still being examined by the Arizona Department of Education.

“There is a fine line,” said Dr. Steve Bebee, the school's principal. “I’m a parent too. I can look at things from both perspectives. It’s hard. Someone has to decide if it is appropriate in a school setting.”

Only a few years ago, there was a case of censorship issue here at school over a play that was being read in the drama program. Even though the play was not being performed, it had content that made some parents unhappy. As a result, the story made local headlines for days.

“The teacher that is presenting the material should be responsible to know what is school acceptable is or not,” said Chance McLaughlin, a sophomore.

“I take it upon myself to approve things as a preventative measure,” said Bebee. “The parents are always open to voice their opinion, but if it’s part of the curriculum adopted by the governing board, a student can opt out of the class or receive an alternate assignment.”

There have been many American classic books that have been banned. Some of these are read by students in English classes here, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. These books were banned by many schools across the U.S for the same basic principle that the Mexican-American studies are under fire in Tucson.

UKIERA RILEY THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

November Issue

news

STUDENTS USE SKILLS FOR COMPETITIONS

Besides producing the announcements the class also competes at workshops

By SARA WINDOM § style editor

KATE FINEGAN talks to veterans about the problems of getting adequate medical attention

SkillsUSA, a student-run Career and Technical organization teaches members how to use skills that can or will apply in the workforce. Its focus on campus is multi-media production, film and photography take up a good portion of member’s interests.

“We do leadership workshops in the fall, and then some bigger competitions in the spring,” Matthew Scott, SkillsUSA advisor, said.

This nationwide club has members travel around the states to participate in various competitions and conventions with other SkillsUSA clubs from around the world.

“I compete in short film and digital cinema competitions that revolve around quality storytelling,” Mason Day, senior and vicepresident, said.

THE “VA IS LYING, VETERANS ARE DYING” billboard throws a spotlight on Phoenix Veterans Affairs hospital — from across the street, bringing newfound attention to the lack of timely care for veterans.

“That is a simple truthful statement, which I feel is the best way to communi-

“The last time I received care from the VA medical providers was in 1999.

They misdiagnosed my Agent Orange related cancer and botched my health care terribly. It caused me a huge loss of quality of life.”

“Before a competition we basically just clear our heads and than go with one of the first things we think of,” Bailey Brown, senior and president of SkillsUSA said.

The club enters competitions such as news, where they submit a piece similar to the video announcements.

This year they will compete in Broadcast News, Digital Cinema, Photography, and Video Production. “Film competitions are my favorite because any film competition involves so many x factors that to win just one time is an incredible feat,” said Scott.

In the past, SkillsUSA has won regional awards for Digital Cinema and state for Digital Cinema and Broadcast News. “We

have worked very hard the past three years to earn a reputation around the state. Everyone knows to watch out for us now,” Scott said.

Ron Nester a Vietnam veteran

One can only prepare so much for the competitions because the theme and subject for films are found out at the event. Members are expected to write a script, direct, and film at the competition during the allotted time. “To prepare for competitions, I will watch movies by the best directors I know of for inspiration,” Day said.

Brown said the key to success is, “Just keep making films. You TAYLOR WATERS, MEMBER OF SKILLSUSA, participates with the rest of the club to paint a window for a homecoming event. The team painted film strips and a large pumpkin with the symbol in the middle. just have to keep trying new things.”

4 ERIKA RICHWAGEN SkillsUSA meets every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in Room 204.

Refugees search for safety in war torn Mideast

By ALEX LAGGREN

§

staff writer

SYRIAN REFUGEES WILL be looking for assistance in the United States and many other countries connected to the United Nations this upcoming year due to the ongoing war in Syria.

“I think with any people or persons that come here, there are specific issues that you are going to need to deal with. They are all going to share the need for some place to live, some place to work, whether or not their residency is temporary or permanent. No one really seems to really know these answers, or if they do, maybe they are not being communicated,” said Steve Mitten, a history teacher.

3.8 million people have been displaced because of the war that is occurring in their home country.

The war is between the regime of Bashar Al-Assad and the rebels that want to take him out of power. Many

countries are coming to the aid of these refugees. The United States is taking in 10,000 refugees and there are 400 coming to Arizona.

Daniel Gonzalez of AZcentral said, “A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday also found that 53 percent of American voters oppose the refugee plan.”

“Despite the fact that most Americans will never experience a situation such as those of the refugees, it is still important to empathise with them,” said Regan Anderson, junior and treasurer of Model UN. Many Americans are against this plan because they fear that terrorists are hiding within the large groups of refugees that would be entering the country. There are some Americans that feel that the United States is morally obligated to assist these displaced people.

“It is important to understand the critical situation these refugees

Vets care comes under scrutiny

are in and that our ability to take them in is a reflection of our human nature of kindness and compassion,” said Anderson.

As of October 26, the UN has announced that there are 120,000 additional Syrians that are leaving the war-struck country in search of a safer home.

“U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien told the Security Council that the figure represents an increase of some 1.2 million people in just 10 months, and with winter fast approaching the situation for many families is likely to deteriorate,” said Edith Lederer of the associated press.

“Most of the time refugees are hard working people, and I say that

because why would someone want to leave their home country to go to another place if they aren’t willing to work and establish a life there,” Natalie Nabaty, junior and vicepresident of Model UN. “When people live in places like Syria, where their country isn’t stable and their family isn’t safe, they don’t have security, they are willing to work for their families to create a better life for themselves.”

The UN is currently discussing what to do about the events surrounding Syria, and other news is being made because Iran is joining the UN for the first time to assist in the discussion over Syria. Many Syrians are upset by this announcement.

“A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday also found that 53 percent of American voters oppose the refugee plan.”

Daniel Gonzalez of AZcentral

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

ACCORDING TO THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY, OF THE REFUGEES 8.9% are males and 8.4% of women are between the age of 0 and 4.

10.8% are males and 10.2% of women are between the ages of 5 and 11.

6.6% are males and 6.2% of women are between the ages of 12 and 17.

22.1% are males and 23.8% of women are between the age of 18 and 59.

1.3% are males and 1.7% of women are 60 years old and above.

U ALEX LAGGREN NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 5

cate ideas,” said Ron Nesler, Vietnam veteran and creator of the billboard. “It is my idea that both the VA management and Congress can be shamed into reforming the corruption at the VA.” The billboards have been erected in Illinois and Minnesota, and have now reached Arizona. One of these billboards, an eye-catching yellow, faces the front of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center.

“Whether those comments are of merit or not, the fact that they can even be made shows signs of malpractice and failure within the VA system,” said Ryan Whitten, senior.

SKEPTICISM SCATTERS THE COMMUNITY Nesler started the website vaislying. com, and a corresponding Facebook group, before the VA wait list was brought to public attention. He is closely associated with many veterans whose experiences with the VA mirror his own: lacking in complete care.

“The last time I received care from the VA medical providers was in 1999. They misdiagnosed my Agent Orange related cancer and botched my health care terribly,” said Nesler. “It caused me a huge loss of quality of life.”

There is some skepticism in the community over the impact of the billboards, while many rally behind the call to attention.

“I think that they are an emotional reaction, without any real pragmatic solutions,” said David Lucier, President of the Arizona Veterans & Military Leadership Alliance

and Vietnam veteran. “I’m sure some people are lying along the way, I get that. So does everybody else. But I don’t see any solutions being proposed.”

A Washington Post article, published June 23, reads that the number of veterans waiting to be treated by the VA has increased by 50 percent compared to last year. These veterans await care for ailments from Hepatitis C to posttraumatic stress disorder. Change in leadership, aging Vietnam veterans, and returning service members are accredited to this rise in numbers.

The VA also stated, preceding a House Committee of Veterans Affairs budget hearing, that they face a staff shortage and $2.6 billion budget shortfall.

“I have had several personal conversations with Mr. McDonald,” said Nesler on VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “I believe that he originally thought he could fix the VA, but he had now come to understand that only Congress can fix the VA.” There are cases of both condoned and condemned care dished out by the VA. “I am what they call service connected disabled, and I’ve dealt with them,” said Lucier. “There’s been a couple of missteps, but we straightened them out. But, of late, knock wood, I’ve not had to call on their services. So I’m healthy, and hopefully it will stay that way.”

By RYAN HEILIGER

§ STAFF WRITER

Falcon Unified is a program at Cactus Shadows that creates lasting impacts on students and their peers. It is based on a program called Project Unify through Special Olympics Arizona, which connects athletes with and without disabilities through clubs and sports.

Project Unify is intended to bring students together despite any differences. “Falcon Unified wants to create friendships between kids with and without disabilities,” said Brianne Kunkel, a junior and member of the program. “That way the whole school can see it’s okay to be friends with them.”

The main goal of Falcon Unified is to make Cactus Shadows inclusive to its peers, in other words, to unify the school as a whole. “It creates friendships and then that way it bleeds out through the school,” said Kunkel.

Many members of Falcon Unified send out encouraging messages through social media showing what it means to be apart of the program.

Other members spread the word verbally or by their actions, reaching out to not only students with disabilities, but all students in general.

“My favorite part about Falcon Unified is getting to hang out with all of the students in the club and doing fun activities with them and just having a great time,” said Holly Benscoter, a junior and member of the club.

Falcon Unified started this year, but was previously known as Best Buddies, an identical program with

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

REECE PARFET AND BRI-

ANNE KUNKEL, members of Falcon Unified, take a step towards unifiying the student body. Kunkel has helped the club become known all over Arizona. 4NICOLE NERI

Halloween has come and gone, and the time to shake off those candy comas has arrived with Thanksgiving feasts. This season not only brings orange leaves and Ugg Boots, but also NHS’s food drive for those less fortunate this coming holiday.

“They help people out,” said Emily Larsen, a senior and a member of NHS, “and it’s so simple to take a few cans from your pantry and donate them.”

NHS is continuing their annual food drive from November 2 to November 20. For teachers who are participating in this event, cardboard boxes will be set up in their rooms that will be available for students to donate 4 ■ NOVEMBER 13, 2015

side and direct impact of food drives, others are worried about past and present problems that come with getting donations from the school in the first place.

“Consistency is sometimes a problem,” said Scott LaVigne, NHS advisor, “because a lot of different clubs on the campus have a lot of different things going on and sometimes it's hard to get students to contribute [to the food drive].”

Larsen added onto LaVigne’s concerns when she said that NHS could try to get the students more involved, although she thinks the drive itself is run effectively and efficiently by Glicksman. One tactic they are currently using to get students to contribute is a strategy used by some teachers: extra credit.

“We try to get teachers to volunteer to have the boxes in their room and maybe promote it in some way,” said Lavigne. “Some teachers will offer some minimal extra credit,

a junior, performs at the annual Unplugged homecoming event. Holt plans to sing for Rock the District with fellow sophomore Sierra Fluegel.

4 NICOLE NERI

NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 3

a different name. Any student from Cactus Shadows is able to join, and are encouraged. “The best part about Falcon Unified is that it allows regular students and students with disabilities to join together in activities, instead of only students with disabilities,” said Shelly Mayer, who runs the copy center where special needs kids volunteer. “They get to participate with their peers right next to them, instead of just being singled out.”

The goals of Falcon Unified are being pursued this year more than ever, with full student involvement. The football team is extremely supportive towards the program and special needs students in general.

“My involvement with Falcon Unified started through an adaptive P.E. class I peer tutor for,” said Antonio Marchica, a senior and varsity football player. “We bring them out to the field and try to include them in what we’re doing.”

Students with special needs are given opportunities to get water for the football players, run on the field with them, and even participate in the captain's coin toss.

“To me, the best part of this program is seeing how other people are affected by it,” said Kunkel. “There’s not one negative thing about it.”

Falcon Unified continues to grow throughout the school and impact more and more people. Students are now becoming aware that interacting with special needs kids not only helps them, but creates a positive image for other students to follow.

nonperishable, canned food.

“Some classrooms when they do it like a competition, it brings in so much,” said senior NHS president, Maya Glicksman.

“Then some have like, nothing, which is sad.

But usually there is a good amount of food to bring to the food bank.”

The society members will than collect the food about a week before Thanksgiving to be taken to the local Foothills food bank as Glicksman mentioned. From there, the donated food will help local families have their own Thanksgiving celebrations without the worry of being able to afford the meals.

“Think about how awesome Thanksgiving is and how nice it is to have a nice meal with your family,” said Glicksman. “Just that sense of community and family, and to share that experience with people who are less fortunate or don't have the means, is kinda big deal.”

While Glicksman shows the more personal

SERENADING THE DISTRICT Allison Holt,

LOOKING FOR A CHANGE

Cave Creek community comes together in time for the holidays KALEY DODD takes a look at the annual food drive that NHS hosts in the weeks before Thanksgiving.

TALENT UNPLUGGED

Despite conflicting opinions, management seems to be the heaviest concern weighing on the VA. Nesler believes that the VA does not have a monetary problem, so much as a management and ethics problem.

“Someone needs to have the power to fire or prosecute the people in the VA who are robbing the taxpayers and cheating the veterans,” said Nesler.

Many are vying for change, from both inside the VA and outside of it. Lucier says that there are good people working to rectify the situation.

“There is always room to improve,” said Whitten. “The fact that such an issue has arisen in a blatant manner means there is a lot of room for positive change.”

“Veterans tend to stick together more than non-veterans,” said Nesler. “Being in the military teaches us to think of the group.”

Nesler stated that the billboards will remain standing until the VA is in the hands of those who care more for the veterans than they do paychecks and bonuses.

news

FALCONS UNIFIED CLUB REPLACES BEST BUDDIES

news

but just anything that promotes them bringing the food in often helps a lot.”

While the Thanksgiving food drive is the only guaranteed food drive NHS hosts, there is always opportunity for another later in the year put on by the juniors who get to coordinate a fund raising event themselves.

SCHOOL FUND DRIVES DO DONATE:

DON’T DONATE:

peanut butter

items in glass containers

pasta products canned fruits canned vegetables

rusty or unlabeled cans perishable items homemade items

rice

alcoholic beverages

beans

open or used items

tuna

non-commercial canned or packaged U KALEY DODD items THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

December Issue

news

news

MULTIPLE 4.1 EARTHQUAKES SHOCK CAVE CREEK

A

By Kate Finegan

SEVEN DANCES FOR SEVEN DEADLY SINS

By Ryan Heiliger

§

RUMBLING in the earth on November 1 shook the Arizona community by its roots, and many students felt the aftershocks of all three earthquakes late at night.

“My literal first thought was that I was being abducted by aliens,” said Riata Wendt, senior. “I was like, oh my God, their ship just landed on my house. Oh my God, they’re taking me.”

While the ground shaking was indeed earthquakes and not a local alien abduction, people throughout the areas around Black Canyon City and Phoenix were baffled by the phenomenon.

Some slept right through the entire ordeal and woke to reports broadcast on the news.

“I was still awake, actually, I can’t go to bed before 12. I felt the first one. I got up, I went around.

staff writer

THE WINTER DANCE SHOW WAS on December 10 and 11 at the Fine Arts Center and sold out fast, following suit of previous years. The tickets were only five dollars, and seating was a first come first serve basis. The show was composed of the company dance class, the highest level of dance there is to offer.

“This dance show is pretty different from all the rest that were in the previous years. The theme is the seven deadly sins so it’s pretty interesting,” said Madison Mercer, a senior and four year dance student.

Although it is technically only a company level show, some boys who are in lower levels were brought up for this performance.

“I’m not in a dance class this year, but I was in beginner’s for one year,” said Ben Rodenburg, a senior. With females dominating the dance classes, there are few boys featured in the shows, but the main focus for the winter show was the boy/ girl dance. “It’s a lot more fun dancing with girls than it is to dance with guys,” said Rodenburg.

“We’ve been practicing our dances every single day during fourth period, which is company, and then we had a whole week of rehearsal leading up to the show,” said Ashley Ong, a senior and also a four year dance student. The dance show consisted of multiple dances all based around the theme the seven deadly sins.

“Every summer in the month of June I sort of calm myself, and I begin to let my mind open and come up with some sort of crazy concept,” said Elissa Ericson, ten year dance teacher at Cactus Shadows. “This year no reason in particular it just popped into my head; the seven deadly sins, let’s explore it, it could be fun,” said Ericson.

The seven deadly sins are pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. Combining those seven aspects into one central theme is not an easy task, but the dance department is an experienced and talented field. “It’s gonna be a good show,” said Rodenburg.

As opposed to average high school dance productions, Cactus Shadows brings every genre possible together in their shows, and that was shown in this one as well.

C

CCUSD: TOP PERFORMING DISTRICT Despite the lack of funding, Heather

Carter, State Representative said in an Arizona Republic article that “Cave Creek Unified School District is one of the top performing districts in the state.” Bebee noted this, acknowledging that Cactus Shadows does make good students without adequate funding, and accounts it as a possibility to why voters do not feel obliged to vote yes.

Richards also thinks that voters may not have voted yes because a bond was passed just last year.

DISTRICT TO FACE REPERCUSSIONS The rejected override has people hoping for better in the future. “The only way we are going to change in this state is when our employment infrastructure suffers to the point where employers cannot find qualified or educated enough employees to conduct business in the state, which is a problem

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

said Reisener. “So there was plenty of evidence that there was a fault there. What we didn’t know is that it was currently active, not just a remnant or a fossil of the past. Geology is alive and well in New River.”

LOOKING FOR FAULT Speculation arose about the possibility of more earthquakes following this string of three.

Seismologists have yet to pinpoint the exact fault responsible.

“It’ll be interesting to look back at it and see if anybody is able to figure out anymore about that fault. So it will be fun to let people do their research and then to see what they learn,” said Reisener.

Arizona escaped significant damage, and the hashtag #WeWillRebuild surfaced within the hour of the largest earthquake, interpreting these occurrences with humor as many wait for word of the fault in question.

ANNALEE BARNETT talks to adviser Amy Metcalf and sophomore Helen Lee to find out how the contribute to the community. S-Club is currently holding a used clothes drive to donate to Bobcats Closet.

Cave Creek residents reject $4.3 million override their belts and face the decision of what programs and funding have to be cut.

“I think it [the override loss] will have the biggest impact where we need it the most,” said Cathlene West, senior. “There’s some new things in the classroom that we might need to improve how the teachers are teaching, or how the students are learning, [and] the ability to do more in class.”

Nicole Sargent, sophomore, was worried when she heard from a friend that they may be decreasing bus transportation.

“I started freaking out, and I heard that it was about the whole district,” said Sargent upon hearing the news. With less funding, decreased transportation might become reality for the district.

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT The most potent earthquake shook Arizona residents and homes at 11:29 p.m. Two more earthquakes were reported with lower magnitudes, one around 9 p.m. at a 3.2 magnitude, and another following the largest 20 minutes later with a 4.0 magnitude. All three were just a few miles beneath the surface of the

Earth.

“I only felt one of those episodes, but what’s exciting about it is that we’ve gotten a little bit of a glimpse about what’s happening underground up in New River,” said Reisener. “And there’s a fault that no one has paid attention to… and it’s just cool, to know that there’s one in our backyard somewhere.”

“I was like, either someone just drove into my house, there’s a crazy storm, or out of some crazy reason or happening, there’s an earthquake,” said Wendt. “I didn’t really fall asleep after it, because that was definitely an earthquake, and I was just weirded out for the most part.”

Wendt went on to say that she went online and searched for any reports on the earthquake she felt, and found out about the two other earthquakes as well.

“There’s actually a big valley in New River, and it’s really no surprise because valleys form along faults,”

Soroptimist Club rallies to aid the local community

every day during fourth period. The boy/girl dance is one of the featured dances of the show. 4 NICOLE NERI

Of the 28 school districts that passed their bonds and overrides in the Phoenix Area, CCUSD is not one of them. On November 3, CCUSD proposed a 4.3 million dollar override, achievable if the average homeowner gave around 24 dollars per year. With 43.69 percent of people voting yes and the remaining 56.31 percent voting no, the override failed to pass.

“The district is going to be in a severe financial bind next year,” said Ron Richards, ninth grade English Honors and IB World History teacher. Steve Bebee, principal, noted that even though no strict plans are in place, programs, classes, and administration may have to be eliminated next year to deal with the loss.

Poor funding for education coupled with low tax rates causes the district to tighten

Everyone was asleep,” said Veronica Blascoe, senior. “I was like, did you feel that?”

Blascoe discovered the confirmation of the 4.1 magnitude earthquake like many others in the Valley; according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred seven miles from Black Canyon City, and 49 miles north of Phoenix.

Robert Reisener, a science teacher who instructs Geology class, woke to shaking and what sounded like a compression wave, or a sound that was similar to a sonic boom.

THE SOROPTIMIST CLUB UNITES Cactus Shadows students and women of the community. The clubs work together to aide the Scottsdale and the Cave Creek communities by such activities as feeding the hungry, supplying the needy, and bettering their community. Amy Metcalf and Alexis Hunter-Wilson discuss the upcoming events. 4 ANNALEE BARNETT

COMPANY DANCE STUDENTS have prepared for their deadly dances

AVE creek votes no.

§ staff writer

YOUNG GIRLS OF CACTUS SHADOWS team up to feed the hungry, supply the needy, and better their community through volunteer service. Soroptimist Club is a group of girls who provide their help in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

“S-Club is a club that does community service around Cave Creek and is sponsored

by Soroptimist,” said sophomore Helen Lee. Soroptimist is an organization of women who volunteer and orchestrate charity events for those who need help.

“Soroptimist group, which is a women's only organization, branched off S-Club to move their organization to the younger girls and kind of get that out there,” said sophomore McKenzie

already in the state,” said Richards. “I think people do not want to change until they are forced to change, that is human nature.”

Whether or not another override will be passed next year is difficult to say.

West and Sargent both say it depends on the state that CCUSD will be in the following year, while Richards does not believe an override would be passed if proposed.

CCUSD’s predicament is made even more frustrating given that the lawsuit that occurred in an attempt to gain money lost during the past several years.

Richards said that the State of Arizona is still refusing to release the funds to the schools even though the Department of Education legally won in court.

Shinsako, president of S-Club.

Groups such as Bobcats Closet benefit from the service of S-Club. Bobcats Closet is a retailtype shop located at Black Mountain elementary school and was started by Soroptimist international.

“We work with like food banks around the community or we can help the school. We help with Bobcats Closet a lot, which is kind of like a little thrift store for people who don't have a lot of money. [They] come and get clothes,” said Shinsako.

S-Club is a group that is meant for girls, however there have been exceptions over the years.

"We had a boy member a couple years back. Boys are welcome, they just usually aren't interested,”

said Amy Metcalf, adviser of S-Club and English teacher.

Girls in S-Club not only help others, but they are benefited themselves. “It’s good for volunteer hours. It looks really good on college applications,” said Shinsako.

Funding for the club comes from many different places and is hard earned. “I know one of our biggest funding things are our spaghetti dinner, that's where we get the majority of our money and I think we get some money from the club fees and stuff that goes towards us,” said Shinsako.

The S-Club at Cactus Shadows is a part of the Saguaro Foothills chapter. There are about 15 chapters in every state.

6 ■ DECEMBER 11, 2015

LIT MAG DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING TALENTED FALCONS KATELYN REINHART discusses the process of deciding what pieces make it into the literary magazine.

Pencils eagerly meet paper in order to tell their stories and artists scramble over their paintbrushes in an effort to submit their work to Literary Magazine, a school club.

Led by Lori Hart, the yearbook, newspaper, and creative writing teacher, Literary Magazine is a club dedicated to the submissions of student artwork and literature. These student works are then published in the school literary magazine, which is designed and created by students in the club. “The end goal is to pick the very best photos, stories, artwork, from our community in school and put it all into a book for creative expression in our school,” said Hart.

“I expose the kids to a lot of different literary magazines, ideas, designs, and teach them how to critique, but they do all the work, really. I just sort of train them,” Hart said. During the critiquing process, club members view the artwork, poem, or prose, and judge them on four different categories.

The written pieces are judged based on originality, craft, organization, and voice. For art, the process is a bit different, looking at technical and aesthetic things in order to get a score. Each submission is given a score, and anything at or above a 32 gets in.

The number of students in Literary Magazine vary per year, but the kind of students drawn to it remain the same. “Students that are creative and enjoy art and literature,” said Sam Kotowski, Editor in Chief of the club. Many of the students who are in the club also contribute with submissions of their own.

“We usually get around 100 to 120 submissions a year,” said Kotowski.

To keep the critiquing process fair, everything is kept anonymous.

“It’s kind of funny, because you have no idea if the writer or artist is in the room with you. It’s exciting,” says Sofia Hunley, a member of Literary Magazine. Meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Hart’s classroom room number 609.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

U ALEX ARIAS § STAFF WRITER DECEMBER 11, 2015 ■ 3

news news

YEARBOOK PARTICIPATES IN ITS FOURTH ANNUAL SECRET SANTA Four years ago, Yearbook began a tradition that would carry out for many years to come. Secret Santa is a common event where people randomly pick names of the participants, and give them a gift anonymously.

The Yearbook class has three different gifts that are spread out over three weeks.

“The first week you give a food Maddie Jones, yearbook gift, the seceditor in chief. ond week you re-gift an item, and the third week you give a gift between five and ten dollars,” said Maddie Jones, Yearbook editor in chief.

THE FIRST GIFT OF THE THREE is the homemade good. Emily Watkins received a snowman jar There are two favoured aspects of particfilled with treats. 4 CHRISTINA FANKHANEL

“The first week you give a food gift, the second week you re-gift an item, and the third week you give a gift between five and ten dollars.”

ipating in Secret Santa, giving and receiving.

Alysa Velez, Yearbook design editor said, “I made Nicole Toomey a duct tape wallet one year and when she got it she was so excited, and she didn’t know it was me so that was pretty cool.” As for receiving gifts, Velez said, “one year I got this set of nail clippers, and a file and I use it all the time.”

Yearbook teacher Lori Hart has a different take on why she loves the Secret Santa.

“I just really love the holidays, and everyone gets some little present, and it really gets me in the mood for the holidays. Also I think it’s really great for team building.”

Yearbook faces some minor challenges; some being with participation. Hart said, “If someone doesn’t do it that’s really bad. Also probably getting the present to the person without them knowing who it is, is pretty difficult.”

Jones said, “I think the re-gift is really hard because every year I feel like I’m giving away such garbage.”

U BY LAUREN HAGGAR

Student discusses decision to seek another gender identity

By NICOLE NERI

WHILE

§ photo editor

SOCIETY

HAS

become increasingly accepting of the LGBT community in recent years, the “T” (transgender) part of the acronym is by far the smallest and least understood faction.

Although public figures like Chaz Bono and Caitlyn Jenner have brought the issue into the spotlight, it is still often viewed as somewhat distant from the bubble we live in. In reality, the issue hits closer to home than most students realize.

The dictionary defines transgender as follows: denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity does not conform unambiguously to conventional notions of male or female gender.

Molly Gum, English teacher and facilitator of the LGBT support group on campus, said that people need to understand that “gender and sex are two different things.

Sex is biological, gender is not.

There are different notions of what it means to be male and female in every society, and so gender identity is something separate from biological sex. Gender identity is a social construct, meaning that it’s something defined by society, not by biology.”

Wearing loose jeans, dark flannel, and flat-soled shoes, the uniform of most guys at school, Junior THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Thomas Anderson’s (name changed for confidentiality) look is easy and casual. But what’s behind it has not been so. Quietly confident and subdued, slightly shaggy hair brushing the tops of his glasses, Anderson is a biologically female student who identifies as male.

The road so far has not been easy for Anderson. “I feel like I was kind of on the cusp of female and male my entire childhood. I liked playing with dolls, but I really liked going out and falling out of trees and roughhousing with the guys,” said Anderson.

“I don’t think I really thought of myself as male or female until I was older and then I realized...I guess I’m not what I thought I was. It’s hard to explain and express with actual words,” he said, laughing.

HARDSHIPS OF COMING OUT Early in middle school, Anderson went through a period of intense denial. “I was like ‘there’s no way, it’s impossible,’ just general self-denial,” said Anderson.

This sparked an “ultra-feminine phase, with Anderson telling himself things like, ‘this is impossible, I’m just gay.’ “It was literally the most depressing part of my entire life,” said Anderson.

Coming out as transgender can be extremely complicated and emotional. Anderson’s case is no exception.

“My mom was actually the one who asked me before I was exactly ready to tell her,” said Anderson.

His mother was unwilling, at the time, to accept that he was transgender. “I don’t think she actually expected me to say yes. I think she just wanted to get her doubts out.

It’s difficult to explain, but before she’d even asked she had made certain comments like, ‘you’re female, you’re biologically female, you are a woman.” It was kind of weird, like ‘ok, mom’,” said Anderson. “She’s upped those comments a bunch since I tried to tell her.”

PHASE OR REALITY The validity of claims to being transgender are often called into question. Some look at it as a phase, an attention ploy, or a bandwagon to jump onto.

Recently, however, studies have been conducted on the brains of living transgender people who have received no physical or hormonal treatment.

According to the Journal of Psychiatric Research and the Wall Street Journal, the white matter in the brain of a transgender person, especially one in a female-to-male transition, is nearly identical to that of the person’s gender identity. In other words, while Anderson is biologically a girl, his brain would far more closely resemble the structure

of a man’s brain than a woman’s.

One of the most influential steps toward the legitimacy of transgender was taken by the American Psychiatric Association. Medically, being transgender used to be classified as a mental illness called “gender identity disorder.” In 2013, the association renamed “gender identity disorder” as “gender dysmorphia.”

This may seem like a small change, but through an important detail, it was ground breaking for the transgender community.

From 2013 forward, transsexuality would not be treated as a disorder. Instead, the disorders potentially caused by gender dysmorphia--anxiety and depression, for example--would be the only things treated as a medical issue, medically validating transsexuality.

FINDING ACCEPTANCE “It’s really cool when you get into the actual science of it. It’s not like, ‘oh well, you know, it could just be a phase.’ Do you want to see how much of a phase this is? Take a scan of my brain and see,” said Anderson, back to his default lighthearted sarcasm. “Being trans is a lot more than your gender identity, it’s who you are. Gender doesn’t make you as a person, but it sure does help.”

Despite the rocky progress with his mother, Anderson has found

acceptance in his sister, his friends, and his dad “probably already knows at this point, and he’s really chill about it.”

Anderson plans to come out officially to his father sometime next school year. He wants to begin transitioning in senior year, and to visit a GIC (gender identity clinic) when he turns 18 and would no longer legally need parental approval.

Anderson said that outside of the people in his family, most around him have “actually been really, really supportive,” which has been “so cool.”

“The more people see the LGBT community around them, in personal lives and in the public eye, I think it helps us see that we’re all just people,” said Gum. “People are afraid of what they don’t understand. When they see that there’s LGBT people everywhere, and they’re just like everyone else, it’s humanizing. So I think [exposure] is so important.”

Both Gum and Anderson said that understanding is the key to the acceptance of the transgender community.

Anderson said that he just wants people to “be tolerant. You don’t even have to be accepting, just be tolerant. Just don’t be [mean],” he said, smiling.

AzMerit takes the place of the AIMS test

STUDENTS PROTEST RACIAL ISSUES

ELAINA ROVENSTINE discusses the results of changing tests last minute.

T

HE attempt BY the Arizona

Department for Education to prepare kids for the new wave of standardized testing missed the mark according to the new AzMerit test scores. The scores show that a large number of students scored not or “minimally” proficient.

“Part of the problem was we were preparing for the common core test but then we moved away from it,” said Steve Bebee, school principal. The AzMerit scores reflect the fact that students and teachers did not have enough time to prepare for the change.

“If the board of education keep making new tests with new material the teachers and students are not going to know what's on the test,” said Catie West, a senior. “There are a lot of people who just don't like taking test. The fact that the test did not affect the upper class men at the time means that people probably did not take the test seriously, so the test scores might have been worse then they should have been.”

According to the results, 74 percent of 11th graders scored minimally or partially proficient in English and even worse 71 percent of students scored below proficient in Geometry and Algebra Two. “There were some questions that

made no sense or we simply did not have time to learn the material in class,” said West.

The exam is built off the common core standards which focus on criticalthinking skills and less on memorization making it much more difficult than the old AIMS test. For example the exam has more complex reading passages and math problems including a short essay to explain how students got the answer to the problem.

AzMerit was made intentionally harder than AIMS. The test measures students’ mastery of the 2010 Arizona College and Career Ready Standards, which are more demanding than the standards measured by AIMS. Research has shown that AIMS gave a false picture of the number of students who are ready to start college after high school.

Arizona students got lower marks based on national standards.

“I like the new standards but I’m against standardized testing in general, I think it’s terrible. Standardized testing is a cookie cutter method to see how much a child has learned but kids are anything but cookie cutter,” said Molly Gum, 10th grade English teacher. “The only way to improve the overall test scores is it needs to start earlier on in the education process from the bottom up.”

By Kiera Riley

W SOURCE: SURVEY FROM ARIZIONACENTRAL.COM CONDUCTED ON AUGUST 8

SENATOR HEATHER CARTER TALKS TO GOVERNMENT CLASSES about education and

redistricting. At the end of the presentation the students registered to vote. Seniors Ella Asterino and Ashley Danahy visited Carter after her speech. 4 NICOLE NERI

DECEMBER 11, 2015 ■ 5

4 ■ DECEMBER 11, 2015

§ staff writer

Increasing racial tension, including racial slurs and anonymous comments, has caused students across the country to stage walkouts and protests.

"I think it needs to be discussed more by teachers and students who are educated on the topic. Oftentimes, people say hateful and racist things simply out of ignorance," said Blake Bradshaw, a freshman.

Earlier this year, at Berkeley High School in California, a student used one of the computers in the library to display a message using racial slurs and threats of violence targeted at the students of color on campus.

In light of these actions, the BSU (Black Student Union), staged a walkout. Members of the BSU and their allies gathered the next morning and walked from the school to city hall and through the UC Berkeley Campus.

"Racism like this, whether it was a joke or not, is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. We also wanted to address institutionalized racism, and as allies (non black supporters) that we believe that black lives matter," said Gus Gebhart, a student at Berkeley High School.

Using chants and signs, students showed support for the Black Student Union. “They kept it calm while proving a point and that’s exactly how it should be done,” said Bradshaw.

While racism exists everywhere, hidden prejudices are also a concern.

"Those are the subtle thoughts and comments that often go overlooked but have a way to creep into an otherwise accepting campus culture,” said Geoff Johnson, a history teacher.

Most agree that keeping up a dialogue about race is important.

“The best thing I think we can do is to continue to get the word out about things like this that happen every day, and go unnoticed or unreported,” said Gebhart.

Overt cases of racism are often brought on because of a lack of knowledge.

“The best way for students to involve themselves is to arm themselves with knowledge. You must understand the facts, and then understand how both sides of any issue, interpret those facts,” said Johnson.

Although this incident is resolved, the Berkeley High School students anticipate more race driven conflicts.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Tear Sheets

September Issue

iera RILEY, Elaina WILLIAMS, Sara EL

d by the Journalism newspaper serves High School and as . a factual, informavide a forum for the

necessarily repreviser, or all CSPress cactusshadowsc-

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YOUR LETTER TO

eaders. If you have read, please write ess.opinion@gmail. words in length and t to edit for length. bscene, libelous or

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lumbia Scholastic Press Association, and the Arizona

fashion show.

That being said, there are parts of the dress code that are subjective, and not completely

students to accept. Perhaps the students could even form a committee to help administration with the dress code.

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board members are Sierra Galindo, Abby Cardenas, Lindsey Murphy, Nicole Neri, Lucas Akin, and Rees Bixler.

ABBY CARDENAS

DDA (DISGUSTING DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION) “I get it, you are in a relationship and want everyone to know, but, c’mon.”

Public displays of affection, commonly referred to as PDA, is present in most high schools. While administration is cracking down on dress code, PDA is being wrongly overlooked. When it comes to choosing between seeing a couple making out or seeing a bare shoulder, the latter is more school appropriate and less disruptive to the pursuit of education.

Let us start this with a short narrative. A person just got out of fourth hour and is walking up the steps to get into the cafeteria. Said person is prepared to eat their body weight in food when they see something that completely ruins their appetite. That something is a couple standing right in front of those double doors playing tonsil hockey. End narrative.

We all know the stereotypical relationships. There is the couple who is barely a couple, the average couple who maybe hold hands when walking across campus, then there are the couples who maul each other between passing periods. All of these couples have different boundaries for the physical side of their relationships, either really strict or really relaxed.

There are boundaries that should not be crossed when in a relationship and on school grounds. Couples who find

it necessary to cross these boundaries need to keep the other students around them in mind. While some may not mind these public displays of affection, others find it uncomfortable.

Do not get me wrong, a little PDA is fine. The couples who hold hands or hug before going to class are not the subject of this article. Discretion goes a long way, and those couples who demonstrate it are more respected.

Rather, it is directed at those couples who cannot separate themselves long enough to let people pass through the cafeteria doors.

People, please. There is after school, before school, weekends, week nights, plenty of time (and places) to be affectionate to your hearts’ content. School, though, should not be one of those places.

Now I get it, you are in a relationship and want everyone to know, but, c’mon. Do you really need to go that far? I guarantee that having a sense of discretion will get the message across just as well. Plus, it makes walking through the hallways much more comfortable for the rest of us. A little PDA is not necessarily a bad thing, but a little discretion goes a long way.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Opinion, page 6, Sept. 21, 2015

October Issue

HIGH SCHOOL JOBS CAN AFFECT YOUR ACADEMICS

WORKING IN HIGH SCHOOL GIVES REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE High school is all about learning. Learning the Pythagorean Theorem, why Shakespeare is the God of English teachers, and what the hundred years war was. Yet two of the biggest lessons we learn are not in school, we learn them through real world experience. Responsibility and accountability are two characteristics that we acquire through having a job in high school.

For six hours and five days a week, we sit at desks while the teacher lecture about a subject like math or English. And that is all they are, subjects. Subjects that the state of Arizona requires for us to graduate, and what most colleges require for admission. We do not learn about how to open a checking account or how to be responsible with money, things we will need once graduation comes and goes.

I found that having a part time job has helped me figure out all of these essential skills. Filling out the paperwork once hired asks about what you have to pay in taxes, if any, and once that first pay stub arrives you see the amount that Uncle Sam takes out of each paycheck. Not to mention that there is actually money in your bank account that you had to open to get the job.

Now, the counselors try to help us with what the real world will be like, but that is all theoretical. When the money rolls in and the schedule comes out, these skills come into play. Employers expect their employees to be at work on time, to dress professionally (or in uniform), and to do your job right. They do not cut teenagers slack because we are young, if we want a paycheck we have to do the job correctly.

School should be a priority in our lives. College comes up quickly and grades have to stay up, so school should not be put on the backburner. Having a job can occasionally shift the balance between the two, but it does not have to. My parents only told me to “not bite off more than you can chew.” Without the balance between school and work, problems will arise.

If things become overwhelming, work less.

Employers are not as mean and scary as the movies make them out to be, they can shorten hours to fit your needs. And if one cannot, another will be able to accommodate to the teen’s schedule.

Getting that first paycheck, proof that you can earn your own money, is a rite of passage where you do not need your parents for money. Even if you only have to pay for gas, that is still a responsibility that will help later in life.

Working teaches students skills that school cannot. Economics might help, but it is still a scenario based course not an experience. It is a rite of passage for a student to have to earn their own money, and to fill up their tank of gas on their own. With a balanced school and work schedule, it is easy to do both.

“Yet two of the biggest lessons we learn are not in school, we learn them through real world experience.”

ABBY CARDENAS and DESTINY SERVISS take on the effects of high school jobs on teens

SEE IT MY WAY

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Opinion, page 7, Oct. 16, 2015

Some kids get in high school, and immediately want a job, but having a job on top of homework could affect your academics.

During high school, your primary focus should be school work. You should not have to worry about having a job on top of school responsibilities. When you have a job, you spend a lot of time at work and getting ready for work, and end up doing homework during the passing periods.

High school is about getting the grades you need to get accepted into the college you really want to go to. The college you get into will determine the job you end up with.

Students tend to stress a lot during high school, especially when you are a junior and a senior because you are getting close to figuring out what college you want to go to. When we get jobs, we will stress more about when we will get our homework done or that test we still need to study for. Working should not cause more stress in your life.

One thing teens love is sleep. Once you have a job it tends to run a little late and once you get home, you just want to sleep, but you cannot because you still have homework to do. The next thing you know, is it is past twelve o’clock and you just finished homework and you have to get up at five in the morning.

We all have to go to school for a certain amount of time and then if we have work, we would not have any free time.

Students should have some time to relax after coming home from a long day. Most of the teenage population is not good at time management which is another reason many of us should not have a job while we are in high school. Most people work on the weekend and that leaves you with less free time to hang out with your friends and we all know how much we enjoy our friends’ company.

Some people need to work during high school to save money for college, or to help with family expenses. If that is the case, of course, they will have to get a job.

Also, some students say they want the job experience, but we should all enjoy our high school years while they last. We will be stuck with a job for the rest of our lives, so why not enjoy not having to worry about school and a job? High school is about having the time you need to get your homework done and keep your grades up.

Most of us want to be successful in high school, and get into the college we choose. We need to make the choices that will lead to success, and one of those choices should be to not work.

“We will be stuck with a job for the rest of our lives so why not enjoy not having to worry about school and a job?”

OPINION

THE REPORT CARD Video announcements With plenty of wit and on-screen “acting” that elicits chuckles all around the classroom, announcements deliver prompt information and some irrelevant side stories that prove their worth with amusement.

The video shots are great, but the news crew might want to work on capturing clear sound and less muffled voices.

B+ Rachel’s Challenge assembly The uncanny spirit of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School massacre, lives on across the nation in the form of a challenge to schools: spread kindness and start a “chain reaction” of benevolence.

The presentation was moving and evocative, no doubt resonating with many in attendance.

Cactus Shadows has an opportunity to be a link in the chain, starting with this presentation.

A+ Fire drill While the organization can be commended, the method of evacuation is put into question: if it were an actual fire drill, the top priority should be to put distance between students and buildings. Every person flocking to one field, cramming through tight hallways and compact gate openings in a real emergency could cause more catastrophic consequences than its worth. It would be difficult for students, in danger and under pressure, to be “calm and orderly” when they smell smoke or see flames.

C-

U KATE FINEGAN OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 7

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smaller university because they have more students and more alumni, resulting in more money for the school. With improved facilities and learning centers on campus, students can expand on their knowledge and skills more easily. Most sizeable universities are funded by the state, which results in lower tuition costs for students. The majority of these universities are located in an

to excel in different areas of their studies and can consider other majors when applying to a larger school.

Regardless of size, larger universities can still maintain a decent student to teacher ratio in the classroom, and can provide the right amount of attention for students in the classroom and during office hours.

small can be good too While small colleges do not have the brand names that large universities commonly have, they provide just as much, and more, without the hype. It is a misABBY CARDENAS conception that because there is a smaller school base the options are limited, potential students need to dig deeper when looking for a college right for them.

Small schools fly off the radar when students sit down to start applying to colleges. They are often overlooked for those that has a cooler reputation or has a larger student body, because those are the schools that are talked about more often. Small universities will provide the same benefits as a large one, but with a few extra.

In a large university, class sizes tend to be larger because they need to accommodate for the overload of students. This means that the professor might not have the time to personally engage with each student about their progress, or problems they may be having. At a small college, the classes will be smaller allowing the additional help that students may need, as well as having a better relationship with the teacher.

This is one of the reasons why I decided on a smaller university, because I will not have to sit with a hundred strangers in a big room. I can be in a smaller setting with a professor that

is able to sit with their students and help when needed. That and I realized that small colleges have the same sporting events and parties that large colleges have but on a smaller scale.

Schools that tend to be a quarter of the size of another will have a better community aspect because it is in a small town where everybody knows everybody and nothing is a secret, which could be a good or a bad thing. While you still might have to see enemies from high school when going to a small college, it would be significantly smaller than if you attended a large college and saw a majority of the people you went to high school with, again a good or a bad thing.

Going to a large college will give you the college experience that everyone talks about. It has the hype and everyone on Twitter and Instagram raves about how incredible their school is and their sport. And these are the majority of college posts that you will see because these schools have a name to live up to, and everyone that goes to these schools are going to make sure that the people who do not are missing out.

Everything that a large college has, a small one has the same. Even more so because the people who attend these colleges go for the education, not because the name of the university is branded into their minds. We all go on social media and see the obvious schools, but when looking into which college to attend go a little deeper because less is sometimes more.

OCTOBER 16, 2015 â– 11

Features, page 11, Oct. 16, 2015

November Issue

COLE NERI

cording to National hway TrafSafety ministration, er fatigue is ponsible for roximately ,000 car idents and 00 deaths h year.”

TO SLEEP...

A

s babies grow into toddlers, and toddlers into children, and eventually children into teenage/adulthood, the amount of sleep their brain needs goes down. While the body is relaxed, the brain is hard at work dreaming, nightmaring, and quickly jumbling together before morning comes and the alarm clock rings.

“There are five different stages of sleep, and during each stage of sleep there is different brain activity going on,” said Andrew Ferguson, school psychologist. “The first two stages of sleep are just light stages of sleep where you’re more readily able to wake from. The third and fourth stage of sleep are much deeper stages of sleep, and where more of the restorative process happens, for example the transitioning of our experiences and our memories into long term. And the fifth stage is our REM stage of sleep.”

Sleep also allows the brain to shut down the body, and work to level body temperatures. This is useful when sick, and it improves the speed of the immune system. Deep sleep can be considered “beauty sleep” because the body releases blocks of protein to help fix problems. While at the younger ages, the body grows through growth hormones released while sleeping.

YOU GROW WHEN YOU SLEEP “When you’re a baby you’re developing, you need sleep, and you need to regenerate. You grow when you sleep, it’s developmental and necessary for your body to get as many hours of sleep as possible in order to grow,” said Amy Claire Abel, senior.

As a person gets older, they gradually need less sleep. As a baby, in order to develop into the toddler stage, the amount of sleep necessary to reach that stage is based on the amount of growth hormones being released in their bodies. When they get older the brain has less work to do. This can result in older people becoming insomniacs or developing a sleeping disorder.

“An infant will typically require or get anywhere from 14 to 16 hours of sleep and that’s part of their developmental process, for grown ups it’s usually seven to eight hours. A big part of it is the patterns and habits we develop through our lifetime, and where our bodies and minds are developmentally,” said Ferguson.

DANGEROUS SLEEP DEPRIVATION Sleep deprivation and being intoxicated go hand in hand. It is considered to be far more dangerous being tired than it is to be drunk. According to the

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Features, page 12, Nov. 13, 2015

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver fatigue is responsible for approximately 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 deaths each year.

If someone is drunk and tired, it could be a deadly combination that impairs their hand-eye coordination.

“When you’re not getting enough sleep it’s harder to concentrate on one thing at a time, and it’s harder to focus,” said Ashley Dahlen, senior.

The body has its own clock, which is called the suprachiasmatic nucleus or the SCN. When it is dark, the clock tells the brain, and it tells the body to go to bed, and when it is light it usually keeps the person awake or aware. If someone travels through time zones, it can mess up the natural clock. The person’s body will still be on their original clock, but they will have lost or gained hours depending on where they went.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NATALIE NERI,CARRI OUT ASTRAL PROJECT WHILE LYING IN BED.

TEENS NEED MORE SLEEP A study done by the Center for Advancing Health shows that only about eight percent of high school students get enough sleep on an average school night. Sleep deprivation is a problem that plagues students and can lead to poor grades because of lowered concentration levels from no sleep.

See SLEEP on page 12 Sleepless Youth.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SH

around $4.75 for a drink that is not soda or an espresso. Breakfast pricing ranges from $4.25- $10. for pastries, oatmeal, waffles, or sandwiches. Lunch, which

sandwiches, and salads. Prices range from $5-$10. The atmosphere of the grotto holds the theme of music throughout the restaurant with indoor and out-

Cave Creek is brimful with coffee shops and bistros for every palate. Regardless of food preference, there is something fitting for everyone.

COFFEE SHOPS TENDED BY ALUMNI Cactus Shadows alumni John Oughterson and Kaolin Cummens provide coffee, bikes, and good times to the Creek.

S

By ABBY CARDENAS

§news editor

TARTING out in middle school, sharing notes and maybe a few classes, Jon Oughterson and Kaolin Cummens got a head start on their friendship. Now, many years later, the two friends have opened a conjoining business mixing two unlikely products: coffee and bikes.

Cummens, owner of Flat Tire Bike Shop, moved his shop three years ago, and contacted his old high school friend to see if he would be willing to open up a restaurant in the same the building. Oughterson, owner of Local Jonny’s, had experience working in the coffee business and had stuck to the Creek, making him a potential business partner.

“I’ve been involved in this building so long that when he said that he’s moving his bike shop into this building, and he wanted me to hit up the beverage part of it, my thoughts were I’m in, it’s going to be fantastic,” said Oughterson.

The friends knew that it might put a strain on their friendship if they decided to go into business together. But because of their experience and specialties, they decided to open their joint shops. It was meant to be,

as Oughterson had said, when he found out that he had the opportunity to open Local Jonny’s with one of his close friends.

“When he said this, the very first thing I told him was I want to do this with you, but I won’t go into business with you, we’re just gonna do separate businesses, so I have creative control over the food and beverage program, and you can do the bike shop… so we don’t really have a partnership, we just share the building,” said Oughterson.

There is a saying about how one should never open a business with friends or family, but it can often be the opposite case.

“They’ve been friends for so long, I don’t think it would be a problem. I’m sure they put a lot of thought before starting the business. They probably have different opinions on things, but they manage to work through it,” said Megan Sefcik, a senior and fellow Creeker.

The partners had been Creekers themselves, graduating from Cactus Shadows and then going off to school, but both did not stay away for long. Cave Creek is a family based community, and eventually they decided to stick around and plant their roots. Cummens and Oughterson both have kids, and have started

16 ■ NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Creeker, page 16, Nov. 13, 2015

families here in the Creek.

“I didn’t have to move back to Cave Creek, but I wanted to.

Because it’s what you do, you gain a skill and than you move back to your home town. Why don’t you come back to where you grew up to help you do what you’re doing, and then benefit the town again. Jonny was around, I was around, why would we not bank on each other? We want to have more friends, more family. And I wouldn’t do with just about anyone else, it was either him or nothing,” said Cummens They created the odd mix with the initial thought, bikers love coffee, but as they found out the needs of the city and the community, they modified their businesses to suit not only their specialties, but the people of Cave Creek as well.

KAOLIN CUMMINS runs his

Flat Tire Bike Shop alongside Local Johnny’s coffee. Baristas may vary from shop to shop, but the Creeker mentality stays the same.

Coffee has been a favorite Cave Creek treat for some time at the big four coffee joints: from top to bottom, Local Jonny’s,The Grotto, Saddle Creek and Janey’s provide a great environment, as well as keep the Java flowing.

4NICOLE NERI

December Issue

e Journalism paper serves chool and as

ers to measure things. For example, low scores can prevent

to flourish and grow, not to have them struggling.

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board members are Sierra Galindo, Abby Cardenas, Lindsey Murphy, Nicole Neri, Lucas Akin, Rees Bixler, Lauren Haggar, Annalee Barnett, Alex Laggren and Sara Windom.

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ABBY CARDENAS Scientology has recently taken a spot in the limelight, and has been made out to be cult-like, following a caste system.

We usually see what is on E! News or on Stars magazine, we do not see what they actually do or how the religion is run.

These past few weeks, all I have seen in the news is the bad side of Scientology, and how the system is corrupt or how they pick on members who do not follow the pack. What I have not seen is how the people on the inside feel about their religion. There is a little thing called the First Amendment, which clearly states that people have the freedom of religion - if they want to follow Scientology, it is no one’s business.

Scientology was created by L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote a science-fiction novel. He thought that people could find spiritual release through a clear and precise path. Scientology addresses the spirit, not the body or the mind, but the total man. According to scientology.com, there are three prime fundamentals that they follow: Man is an immortal spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized. To find salvation they need to follow the rules of Scientology.

While doing my research, I found that people want, let me repeat that, want, to pay money to find spiritual freedom.

They do not mind telling on other members of their society when they did something wrong, because that keeps the mass of them in check.

There are rules in every religion, some are loose rules like no sex before marriage, which is seldom followed. Scientology is a strict religion, but people choose to stay and they choose to take the reprimands and continue on with their lives.

Now Scientology is not my cup of tea, so I do not follow it.

I believe that it is a scary religion. Nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors. It has been labeled one of the most secretive religions, and has had a bad history, but most religions do. Even though some have had rough histories, they never have to endure what Scientology has.

However, they are protected under the First Amendment just like all other religions. They have the people to back the practice, they will not be going away anytime soon.

It is a matter of choice. If someone thinks that Zenu, the God of Scientology, is real, let them. If someone wants to pay thousands of dollars to reach complete spiritual freedom, good for them. We should not have the freedom to make a religion look bad when we do not even know what they follow.

Scientologists believe that by following their moral codes, they can live peacefully within their religion, and in a way, ensure that they are living to their fullest, most honest selves.

They do not just do whatever they please and tattle on each other when they are pissed at one another. It is an organized religion, and should get at least a little credit for their organization and all they do to keep peace in their sanctuary.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Opinion, page 8, Dec. 11, 2015

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“Children are generally born innocent, but there are a few isolated cases of kids just being born bad.”

Lizzy James, a senior

s of now, there is no known reason why someone becomes a serial killer. Some thought that their environment growing up triggered the characteristic while others assumed that a part of their brain made them that way.

“There was a researcher and he had been paid to be a forensic psychologist and when serial killers were on trial he would come and talk about how the frontal lobe of the brain was not functioning well on the MRIs of these people. As a result he would say that this demonstrates that child was actually born as a serial killer. He continued his work and his research until he took a scan of himself, and what he discovered was that he had a serial killer's brain,” Chris Dodrill, a psychology teacher, said.

This researcher had proved at one point that it was not the person's fault they were a serial killer, they had been born with a birth defect making them that person, but with his brain being the same as these murderers, he found that it could not be true because he had not killed anyone nor had the intentions to. He had then taken a different course of action to find whether their childhood had triggered that part of the brain, or activated, the serial killer in them.

That realization led to the question of what does make a serial killer the way they are with one of the only other options being their childhood, the people who influence them. “The most famous [experiment] was when a guy named Vandura who did experiments with a punching doll, and adults punch the doll and little children watched it, and sure enough the kid, given the same circumstances would punch the doll and say the same things and stuff like that. So that’s where some of that social learning theory and early research on behavior and how when a child observes the behavior, we tend to mimic that behavior, copy it,” Dodrill said.

A child is easily influenced by their surroundings, they do not know right from wrong until taught the difference. “Children are generally born innocent, but there are a few isolated cases of kids just being born bad. There are signals that show up in these children like abusing animals or being really socially isolated. But ultimately their environment shapes who they become, but you’re born the way you are,” Lizzy James, a senior and former psychology student, said.

As the child grows into adulthood, these smalls signs could lead them to partaking in worse activities than hurting animals. There is an aspect of hurting or killing that excites them or relaxes them, because while they know that it is wrong they cannot help it. Dodrill had said that having the urge to kill is like wanting to eat. Eating makes people feel good after they do it, this relates to why serial killers continue to kill people, it makes them feel good. “I think there is an aspect of killing that they enjoy,” Alex Nieminen, a senior, said.

There are reasons on both ends of the spectrum of which could ultimately be the reason a serial killer kills people, but both lead to how the child grows up. If they have the wrongly functioning frontal lobe, it is a matter of whether it is activated or not. If they do not, it could be because their childhood had been traumatic or they were influenced by parents or people they look

up to.

UNSOLVED SERIAL KILLINGS CAPTURE PUBLIC IMAGINATION

Features,Whether page well 12,known Dec.or11, 2015unsolved crimes make people on edge, none arguably more than serial obscure, killer murders. Perhaps the most well known, besides Jack the Ripper, is a murderer called the Zodiac Killer.

“The Zodiac Killer is an anonymous man… he dressed in a black executioner’s costume and he would slaughter his victims in any way, but in an area around them he would draw a symbol,” said Makenna Espinoza, sophomore. “On his clothing was the same symbol, and the symbol was the Greek symbol of Death, also known as the theta.” Some people believe theta means thought or life, but it directly translates to Thanatos, the greek god of death.

The Zodiac killer not only murdered seemingly innocent people, but sent letters to media outlets, particularly the San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Chronicle, and Vallejo TImes-Herald. “Anonymous letters started coming in, but they were all in code,” said Espinoza. “What they are is the Zodiac Killer telling the officers about him, like who he is, where he lives, everything about him.” All known confirmed murders of the Zodiac Killer happened within a span of one year, 1968 to 1969, and took place in Northern California.

The Orange Sock Killer, a more obscure tale, also remains unsolved to date. “Girls who would be walking home or something… this guy would come and kill them...and the one girl he murdered, by the scene they found an orange sock, and then a few months later, they found another murder that paralleled with it, and there was also an orange sock,” said Anastazia Facco, sophomore.

At first, the killer was thought to be the first victim’s husband, Jeff Oberholtzer, but after passing a polygraph test, or a lie detector test, he was found innocent. The Orange Sock Killer has not committed any more murders in this fashion since.

Unsolved crimes sometimes live on in the form of copycat killers, the act of imitating a murder, usually carried out by young men according to www.psychologytoday.com. “You see copycat serial killings, and that’s the ultimate flattery, usually,” said Geoff Johnson, an American and World History teacher.

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